Gilbert and Sullivan

Greatly enjoyed by Queen Victoria, the comic operas of Gilbert & Sullivan celebrate and satirise the conventions of Victorian England.

The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company was established by Richard D’Oyly Carte to premiere these celebrated works, and the company’s fertile association with Decca, begun in the 1940s, has produced many outstanding recordings.

These 12 2CD sets have been selected from the great Decca stereo recordings of the 1960s and 70s (some of which are complete with dialogue) and capture all the style and sparkle of the D’Oyly Carte company in it’s prime. Leading the performers is the great John Reed in all the principal comedian roles alongside D’Oyly Carte stars including Valerie Masterson, Donald Adams, Kenneth Sandford, and Gillian Knight.

Most of the operas are conducted by legendary D’Oyly Carte music directors Isidore Godfrey and Royston Nash with Princess Ida and The Yeomen of the Guard under the baton of Sir Malcolm Sargent.

Sir Arthur Sullivan was also well respected as the composer of more serious works and some of these discs contain the best of his overtures, suites and incidental music. Also included (with Princess Ida) is Sir Charles Mackerras’ recording of his own ballet score Pineapple Poll, adapted from Sullivan’s music for the operas.